Danielle Spencer, beloved for her role as Dee Thomas on What’s Happening!!, has died at 60 after a long battle with cancer. Her passing was announced Tuesday by former co-star Haywood Nelson.
“Brilliance! It comes in a great many forms. We all have them, and we all have this family’s — Dr. Danielle Spencer (June 24, 1965 – August 11, 2025),” Nelson, 65, wrote per the New York Post.
Dr. Dee, our brilliant, loving, positive, pragmatic warrior, without fail, has finally found her release from the clutches of this world and a body,” the actor added. “We celebrate Danielle Spencer and her contributions as we regret to inform her departure and transition from a long battle with cancer.”
Danielle Spencer was an American actress best known for playing Dee Thomas, the sharp-tongued younger sister on the hit 1970s sitcom What’s Happening!!. Born on June 24, 1965, in Trenton, New Jersey, she grew up in a showbiz family—her stepfather was actor Tim Pelt, who appeared in commercials and small TV roles. Danielle moved to California as a child and began acting at a young age, landing her breakout role at just 11 years old.
From 1976 to 1979, she became a household name as Dee, known for her sass, quick comebacks, and scene-stealing moments. She reprised the role in the 1980s revival What’s Happening Now!!, further cementing her place in TV history. Despite her success, Danielle chose to step away from Hollywood in the mid-1980s to focus on her education. She attended Tuskegee University and later became a veterinarian, fulfilling her lifelong love for animals.
In 1977, Spencer survived a serious car accident that left her with lasting injuries. Decades later, complications from that accident led to partial paralysis, but she remained determined and resilient. She openly spoke about her health struggles, including a battle with breast cancer, using her platform to raise awareness.
Even while working as a veterinarian, she stayed connected to her TV roots, making occasional appearances at fan conventions and in interviews about her time on What’s Happening!!.
